Overview
Presque Isle County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 13,230. The Presque Isle County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Michigan probate is governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 559) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate is valued at $53,000 or less, you may file a Petition and Order for Assignment (Form PC 556). This process is significantly faster and less expensive than formal probate.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Presque Isle County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Presque Isle County Probate Court
Probate matters in Presque Isle County are handled at the Presque Isle County Courthouse.
Address: 151 E. Huron Ave., Rogers City, MI 49779
Phone: (989) 734-3268 (Probate Register)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located within the historic county courthouse in Rogers City. The court handles wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. The building is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate (Petition and Order for Assignment): If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may use this simplified process.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $27,000 or less (subject to annual adjustment), a successor may claim assets via affidavit without court involvement.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 559) with the Presque Isle County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
- Filing fee ($175)
- Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees (if applicable)
E-filing may be available; check with the Probate Register for current digital submission options.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (Notice of Hearing - PC 562) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Presque Isle County (such as the Presque Isle County Advance) if the address of an interested person is unknown or to notify creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors (if not already done) and allow 4 months for claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than one year, or a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Presque Isle County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan courts charge an inventory fee based on the value of the estate. This must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Presque Isle County, such as the Presque Isle County Advance.
- Local Forms: While Michigan uses standard SCAO forms, the court may have specific preferences for how documents are assembled or presented.
Always check with the Probate Register at (989) 734-3268 for the most up-to-date local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Presque Isle County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $175
- Small Estate Petition: approximately $25 + inventory fee
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10 + $1 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Calculated based on estate value (e.g., $5 + 1% of value over $500 for small estates; tiered for larger estates)
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal probate): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The mandatory creditor claim period in Michigan is 4 months, which sets the minimum duration for most estates.
Local Resources
Presque Isle County Court Resources
- Court Website: presqueislecounty.org
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (989) 356-9081 — Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals.
Publication
- Presque Isle County Advance: (989) 734-2105 — piadvance.com